The reality is that the Laser as Australians knew it ended on a high in 2002. Many dealers believed this Focus should have been badged as a Laser but when the Focus can trace its history back to the European Ford Escort and was now the source of future Mazda 3 models, it did not qualify as a Laser.
02 MAZDA PROTEGE HATCHBACK REDDIT SERIES
In a complete reversal of past model sharing, the next Laser's Mazda 3 equivalent was based on a future Ford Focus that was not due for Australian launch until 2005.īecause it made little sense to convert the Mazda 3 back into a Ford Laser version for three years on the Australian market, Ford Australia was forced to launch Ford's older European Focus series as a Laser replacement in September 2002. There were minor changes for 2000 and a major KQ facelift in 2001 before the Laser range was withdrawn in August 2002, after Ford had taken over Mazda. The KN body was also stiffened considerably for new crash safety requirements. Suspension and steering were revised for crisper handling and larger and stronger brakes delivered faster pedal response and extra stopping power. New narrow angle cylinder heads and inlet manifolds on the 1.6 and 1.8-litre engines boosted economy. For young owners on the move, this can be a real asset when it will swallow the contents of a flat tyre or bulky sports gear.Īlthough all Lasers shared the same mechanical layout from the first, there were key improvements for the KN. Luggage capacity was boosted by 3 per cent for the sedan and a huge 23 per cent for the hatch, a reflection of the move away from the previous KJ's heavily-sloping glass. Because this Laser series was also caught up in the confusion and budget image surrounding the Festiva and AU Falcon which shared the same showroom, some loyal Laser buyers switched to the Mazda 323 Astina equivalent, which was basically the same car.įor shorter or older drivers, the KN Laser series offered more room with easier access, much better field of vision and higher seating.
This explains why the right Laser hatchback specification can be hard to find in the lower price ranges, as new Laser hatch sales were not as high as earlier models. The Laser sedan, based on the Mazda Protégé, was well-proportioned and because it did not look like a hatch with a boot, sold well from release.
02 MAZDA PROTEGE HATCHBACK REDDIT FULL
Ahead of its time when new, this new-look KN Laser hatch took some time to gain full acceptance, especially after Ford added several Focus/AU Falcon details to distinguish it from its Mazda Astina equivalent.
The KN series first launched in February 1999 introduced a new semi-wagon style now made popular by the current Honda Jazz/Civic and several cross-over vehicles including the Toyota RAV4. The KJ hatchback from this period was also unbelievably hot with its steeply sloping glass. After local production ended in 1994, all Lasers were built by Mazda in Japan thus reflecting Mazda's preoccupation with low, sleek shapes that restricted cabin room and luggage space. Later Australian styling upgrades cemented its success until the US market dictated flabby styling for the 1990 KF series which robbed the Laser of its youthful image. Later joined by a Meteor sedan version of the same car, it rocketed to best seller status as one of the first to offer big car cruising ability and comfort in a small package, qualities revived in the 1999 KN series. The Ford Laser started life as an Australian-tweaked and assembled version of the Mazda 323 in 1981.
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